As a child I remember, my father always asking us when we were sad or sulky, what happened, what you want, what can I do to make you happy? And he used to always come up with answers or rather solutions to our crazy, problems. He used to always be happy and continues to be positive, in any circumstances. And he always encourages us to maintain a positive and happy outlook in life. Thus, all my siblings: my Akka, Pari and Tammu always have a positive and happy outlook towards life!

Growing up, I realized how important it is to be happy in life and hope to raise my child as a happy kid!

At the start of this year, we as a family sat down and each of us wrote a wish list, what we want this year. My daughter and I wrote a long list, however, my husband simply said: I want to do things that make me happy. I was in awe of my husband’s thoughts. What a wonderful and true wish!

Did you know?

The International Day of Happiness is celebrated worldwide every March 20th. It was founded on June 28, 2012.

Since the beginning of this year, I have kept a ‘Gratitude/Happiness’ journal wherein I try to jot down one event/ thought that has made me happy or rather grateful.

Here are some of my entries.

Am grateful and blessed to live close to my parents place. I can hop in and lap up their love and attention whenever I feel like/want to…

Wow, my passion is to read books. Am I not lucky to have access to many libraries which have wonderful books?

Surrounded by my wonderful ‘team’ members at workplace, I love to interact with each one of them.

I feel blessed to have a wonderful and supportive family – whom I can trust and share my ups and downs.

Helping somebody in need, partaking some food to the hungry, or helping somebody, get a job. It is a surreal feeling. Then, I wish I could help more people to achieve their dreams. Or, if I can at least make a small difference in the lives of the needy…I feel blessed.

Every morning, I love our morning ritual, of sipping a hot cup of coffee, drowsily, together with my husband.

Watching my daughter narrate her school events, animatedly – such innocence and playfulness make me a carefree child again!

Sitting and hearing my parents, telling me about their ‘everyday routine and some gossip. Or hearing stories about their past days narrated my in-laws.

When I cook a dish and it turns out tasty – I feel elated. Literally on top of the world!

Sheer pleasure: when I cook and capture an aesthetic food photo which I can admire for hours at a stretch. Here is one such example – Traditional Andhra Drumstick curry.

And now I would like to share the recipe for the traditional Andhra Drumstick dish, which happens to be one of my favorite curries. My mother makes it the best. In reality, I never thought I could cook this dish like my mother. However, I tried it last year, on Dec 27, which happens to be my marriage anniversary. On the positive side, my husband loved it. Consequently, I was very happy that he liked it as this was my first attempt at preparing this dish.

This authentic dish is a perfect healthy pile of tasty drumstick greens cooked perfectly with a hint of coconut, spices and seasoning!